Help a young man find his lovely girlfriend some pearls (please and thank you)

[Shaun8]

Hi everyone, not very familiar with this website, let alone the world of pearls. With that said, I would greatly appreciate the help of you pearl aficionados.

So from what I know as of now is that my girlfriend would like these pearls to compliment a business look. I did some research online that said the pearls should not pass the bust line, so I am thinking size 16", with a 7-8mm pearl.

Is this a good size to purchase with?

My second issue is that I am only 21 (so is my girlfriend - both live in America) and I am a bit limited on the funds. I am thinking to spend under $100 for good entry level pearl set.

I saw another thread her where a man was asking for help finding a pearl set for his wife. Someone directed him to Pearl Paradise, the lowest price I saw on there was $101 for just the necklace.

http://www.pearlparadise.com/6570-mm-White-Freshwater-Pearl-Necklace534.aspx

I looked around on Amazon and found these items:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004ZFIG1G/ref=gno_cart_title_1

^^ ideally I would like something more like this. The only issue is the 18" I feel might fall too low.

http://www.amazon.com/Freshwater-Kn...1_35?s=jewelry&ie=UTF8&qid=1334542566&sr=1-35

^^ again, will this be too low? Is it quality?

http://www.amazon.com/Freshwater-Cu...TF8&coliid=I1VZRICM5C7TI9&colid=16KSGKPJ4QSNU

^^ I also found this nice, but are the pearls too narrow for the business look?

http://www.amazon.com/Sterling-Fres...1_35?s=jewelry&ie=UTF8&qid=1334542345&sr=1-35

^^ likewise is this too small (5-6mm)

http://www.amazon.com/Freshwater-Kn...s=jewelry&ie=UTF8&qid=1334542181&sr=1-3-spell

^^ Any thoughts on this one?


Really, I just want to find something not extravagant, but nice enough that she will be happy to wear it. Ideally something of quality, with a nice appeal and gleam.

Thank you so much for your help,suggestions, and ideas.

 

[pearlescence]

Welcome to the forum Shaun and congratulations on being so thoughtful a boyfriend.
With pearls you get what you pay for. I don't know the Amazon sellers but if you do the maths then by the time they have bought the box and had the free shipping and the company has given Amazon its cut, the pearls aren't going to be much at $25-$30 (one of the Amazon sets). Although it depends on what you want and expect.
If you shop with Pearl Paradise you will get great pearls at a top competitive price - they will be carefully selected and graded and backed by a company reputation, with clear access in case of problems. If you shop with an Amazon company you will get something which many people will consider a good deal, even a great deal. the pearls I am sure will be good for the price, but not as round, as lustrous, as flaw free as the ones from pearl Paradise.
There are many companies out there selling pearls I would not sell as made up jewellery and doing it very successfully with many happy customers.
Perhaps I could liken it to diamonds and cubic zircona? Both fine gems - indeed CZ can be sparklier - but there is a difference and you may or may not be discerning enough to want to make it
this may have helped, or it may have confused you more!

 

[Bacca]

I guess you wouldn't want a long strand of pearls for some business looks, but unless your girlfriend's are unusually perky, it's going to take some length to fall below the bust line. Sixteen, 18, even 21 inch necklaces will be fine with business attire. If you like the pearls, don't be deterred by the length.

Be aware that freshwater pearls aren't going to be all nice and round. The lower you go on the price scale, the more potato shaped ones you're going to get. You're also going to sacrifice luster.

Some of the pearls you linked on Amazon are getting good reviews. Now, finicky pearl people might not be happy with them, but many buyers are. Note that there are reports of clasps being small and low quality. In today's economy, it's about the gold and manufacturers will sacrifice on clasps to keep prices low. Pearl Paradise and similar sites will provide better quality pearls and clasps.

Question, though. Is there some reason your girlfriend has to have her real pearls right now? Because, if not, at 21 and on a limited budget, imitation pearls are a reasonable option. Most folks in your girlfriend's office won't know the difference. In fact, most of her co-workers are probably wearing fakes. They'll be just as pretty, maybe prettier, than the Amazon ones and it will give her a chance to "test drive" wearing pearls. That way, when you have the money for better pearls, she'll have a better idea of the length and size that will suit her best.

 

[Adeline Leigh]

IWhat a lovely gesture And for someone so young lithe and lovely, go for a classic freshwater strand. Smaller pearls aren't showy (6-7mm) and look nice with business attire. PP's selection is superb but if if you have to stick to your budget, go check out the freshwaters Amrita, Pattye, Wendy sell. They are all on PG. Frankly, like what Bacca, said, colleagues are not able to tell whether the strand is likely to be freshwaters or faux. And quality freshwaters are to be found at your budget. Good luck and hope she loves them!

 

[Amrita]

Welcome to the forum Shaun and congratulations on being so thoughtful a boyfriend.

Ditto from my side too, Shaun!

 

[pearlescence]

Not me - daft to buy from UK when plenty of fab sellers in usa (shipping, customs, duty )

 

[Katbran]

Welcome, and I too would like to say how thoughtful you are to buy such a lovely gift...they will last a lifetime. The length is going to depend on the size of your girlfriends neck..and how high she then wants the pearls to sit. Measure a necklace she has that is the perfect length for her business wear and go with that.. I think that someone like PearlParadise or Amrita would be able to help you out and you would have no concerns.
When is the USA mother's day...didn't someone mention there is usually a sale around then?

 

[lisa c]

Some of the links you posted don't give the size of pearl. Don't go by pictures alone.

 

[Sea Urchin]

Shaun, if she'd like it, I think you could get a very nice 6-7 mm 16" freshwater necklace for that price or maybe just a little bit more. I'd go to one of the trusted online pearl stores and get their highest grade, whatever it is that that store calls it.

I have that size and quality in a bracelet and I think they are just very lustrous and round and drop-dead gorgeous

I also have an 8-9 mm 36" freshwater strand (also the seller's highest grade) and while I love them too, they are just not as mirrory as the smaller ones. Same with my 9-10 mm stud earrings.

I've heard other people say that too, that the smaller ones tend to be more beautiful. Here is a pic, if you go down to post #19.

https://www.pearl-guide.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5343&page=2

 

[Joyful Grow]

You can choose small round one or pendant with one bigger round pearl. Yes, off round would be paid not so much.